Pretty hands!

Recently, I've  received many  questions regarding handcare when using kettlebells. Most men don't mind a few calluses here and there, well, until they start ripping. ;) Aside from the calluses feeling gross, and as a lady who loves getting manicures and needs her hands for work, (I'm a dental hygienist by trade) I can't afford to call into work saying, "Sorry boss, I ripped my hands in kettlebells. Can't come in today". So, to prevent having to miss work, there are several things I constantly do to maintain and prep my hands for kettlebells.  When I first started out with kettlebells I purchased and used every single fitness glove I could get my hands on. I tried all of these gloves in hopes of protecting my hands. Unfortunately, it had the opposite result. My hands ripped and teared. The reason this happened was the glove bunched up and stopped the bell from moving freely in my hands. So what do I do now? Research.  And here's what I've learned: The first thing I always make sure I have with me are socks and sleeves. I use the socks to protect against calluses and sleeves to protect my arms from the bell  rubbing against my skin .  If you've never cracked yourself doing an imperfect clean or snatch then hats off to you! You pretty much rock :) For those of us who are not so fortunate, it will protect you from looking as though someone tried to bludgeon your arms to death!
After my kettlebell workout I usually assess my hands and take a look at my calluses. At this time I make sure I  have no rips or tears  in the palms of my hands. Luckily, as my form has drastically improved so has the absence of ripping and bruising.  I typically use a pedi egg or nail file to file down any calluses that are raised. You DO NOT want to file wet, ripped or juicy appearing calluses. If you do, this will just create an open wound in your palm which is very problematic for kettlebell training.  When using the pedi egg you need to be very gentle and rub the callus down a little bit at a time to make sure you don't cut yourself. What your trying to prevent by doing this is a bulky dried up callus that will inhibit the bell from easily moving around your hand.  Let's say you rip your hand or your calluses are unable to be filed down. What I have done in the past is use aquaphor, a healing ointment available at most drug stores. It is usually near the hand lotions. You apply a coating to the area and place a sock over that hand, sleeping with the hand protected. I know some of you think I'm crazy but it works and it drives the men wild ;). Another thing on ripping, DO NOT cut the calluses off if they have started to pull away! The reason being, you want the skin underneath to heal and form new skin before you cut back the callus and have a gaping wound! All of this being said, improvement in technique will help to eliminate the need for all of this. If your form is good you SHOULD NOT be ripping your hands open.  I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions I'd love to help. Please check out this website. Tracysfoodandthought.blogspot.com It will  show the best way to cut your socks.  Have fun :)


Elizabeth M